Ex West Ham striker Tony Cottee and the London Stadium in the circle
Credit: Imago/ Undr The Cosh
Henry Green
Mon 15 September 2025 13:06, UK
West Ham made the switch from Upton Park to the London Stadium in 2016.
Michail Antonio was the only West Ham player from the 2015/16 squad still playing for the Hammers before it was announced he would be leaving in the summer.
There were plenty of memorable moments at Upton Park, including promotion to the Premier League in 2012.
Since the move to the London Stadium, it has been difficult for supporters to replicate the intimidating atmosphere from their old ground
West Ham owner David Sullivan watching his team in action.
Credit: Imago
Tony Cottee labels the London Stadium as ‘friendly’
David Sullivan has come under fire at West Ham for plenty of decisions he has made throughout the years.
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He didn’t stick with David Moyes at the end of the 2023/24 season, and more recently, he made multiple failures in the summer transfer window.
However, one of Sullivan’s biggest mistakes is moving to the London Stadium.
Speaking on talkSport on 15 September, former West Ham striker Tony Cottee explained how big a mistake the move has been.
“It’s hard, it’s really hard. It’s such a great stadium, but you just feel when it’s football, the fans, especially with the older ones, they can’t get their head around it,” Cottee said.
West Ham moved to the London Stadium in 2016
The stadium was originally built for the Olympics in 2012
It has a capacity of 62,500 compared to Upton Park’s 35,000
“The biggest thing is that when West Ham were at Upton Park, they had a ten-point head start because of the crowd, because of how hostile it was.
“Away teams would come and they would be under pressure and intimidated, which would bring West Ham ten points a season.
“I believe the stadium is a lovely stadium, but it’s so friendly and neutral that it’s almost too inviting for the away teams.
“But they have to get on with it, and they have to, in my opinion, go and beat Crystal Palace.”
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Sullivan step down at the end of the season.
Graham Potter is facing the sack at West Ham and could follow the Welsh businessman out the door in East London after a difficult tenure.
The floods of supporters leaving the London Stadium after just 64 minutes in the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham will be a wake-up call for the Hammers.
They need to go back to basics after what will likely be an underwhelming 2025/26 campaign and completely rebuild their squad.
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